Arriving in Äußerst

The border of the Count Grausam's Territory in the Northern Lands.

Übel strolled leisurely along the road, stretching out his hand to look out into the distance.

Seeing that they were about to enter Count Grausam's territory, he prepared to deal with the bandits who had been secretly following him for a long time.

After finding a rock by the roadside to sit on, he said:

"The road to Äußerst is quite treacherous; let's take a short rest."

However, the few who had hidden themselves did not leave.

"Little girl, that's a nice walking stick."

Übel looked at the newcomer with a hint of helplessness.

Three burly men with fierce expressions and weapons emerged from the woods behind them.

"Hand over your valuables!"

Upon hearing this, Übel looked at the three of them with a somewhat amused expression and said:

"Oh dear, could it be robbers again?"

"We finally had some peace after Aura was defeated, but now there are more guys like you around."

Übel tightened his grip on his wand, preparing to slice the three bandits in front of him into pieces.

The leader of the robbers said menacingly, "Who gave you permission to speak? Give me the luggage right now..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was punched and sent flying.

Upon seeing this, the two robbers nearby rushed towards the newcomer.

However, he couldn't even withstand a single blow from the attacker and was knocked to the ground.

Kraft, who had come from the Mount Schvia, calmly observed the three bandits.

"Disappear right now if you don't want to die."

Seeing how strong Kraft was, the remaining two bandits quickly dragged their fallen leader away.

Übel did not stop the robbers from leaving, but watched Kraft, who had suddenly appeared, with great interest.

He introduced himself, saying, "Thank you for saving me. I am the magician Übel."

"The Monk Kraft."

Kraft looked indifferently at the girl before him. He had discovered several mutilated robber corpses in the nearby forest.

It's highly likely that this seemingly harmless girl in front of us did it.

Übel looked at Kraft's striking features and asked, "Could you be an elf? That's quite rare; I've never seen one before."

Kraft did not answer the question and remained silent for a while.

Staring at Übel's indifferent eyes, he said, "Your killing intent is too strong."

"I'm not here to save you. There are several mutilated robber corpses in the nearby forest, killed by a skilled mage."

"Oh, really?" Übel looked at the elf before him and asked, "So you've come to lecture me?"

"No, I'm an adventurer too. I'm not so old-fashioned as to judge killings done in self-defense. I just saved a few lives."

"What a boring old man, no fun at all."

Upon hearing this answer, Übel muttered a helpless complaint and turned to leave.

Kraft watched Übel's departing figure and asked, "Are you going to Äußerst?"

Without turning his head, Übel said, "Yes, I'm going to take the First-Class Mage Exam."

Kraft remembered that Frieren and the others were also preparing to go to Äußerst to take the First-Class Mage Exam.

Having received a definite answer, Kraft turned and left.

"Perhaps I'll hear some interesting stories next time I meet Frieren."

The Magic City Äußerst.

The Northern Branch of the Continental Magic Association within the city.

"The exam will be held in two months. The First-Class Mage exam is held every three years, so please pay close attention."

"In addition, one must possess a level five or higher magician qualification to participate in the exam."

After the receptionist explained the basic rules, Frieren turned to leave.

He avoided an elderly man who was queuing up, and said without turning his head:

"Rienta and Fern are yours now."

Fern held Frieren's hand tightly and said, "Lady Frieren, we can't do without you."

"I can do it," Frieren, trying to break free.

"What if you fail? The Level 1 exam only comes once every three years." Fern pressed on relentlessly.

"If I fail the exam, I'll hire a First-Class Mage or take the sea route." Frieren continued trying to break free.

Fern winked at Rienta and said, "But wouldn't that take even more time? Besides, we don't have much money left for our journey. Hiring First-Class Mage would send us back to the days of not having snacks every day..."

Fern's hand was freed, but she did not leave, looking at Rienta with a probing gaze.

Rienta also said with a serious expression, "That's right, Lady Frieren, our travel expenses are indeed insufficient to hire a First-Class Mage while maintaining our previous living expenses."

Hearing this, Frieren said helplessly, "But I'm not qualified to take the exam."

He took out a pendant and said, "The Holy Staff Emblem probably won't work."

"So what exactly is this antique pendant?" Fern asked, quipping.

Please wait a moment.

After hearing Frieren mention 'the Holy Staff Emblem,' the elderly man who was registering the group approached them and asked:

"Can I take a look at that pendant?"

Frieren handed the pendant to the elderly man who appeared to be of high status.

The old man took the pendant, examined it carefully, and after confirming it was genuine, asked:

Are you planning to take the First-Class Mage exam?

"With this pendant, you can definitely participate."

With the old man's help, Frieren successfully qualified to participate in the First-Class Mage exam.

The four left the Magic Association and walked down the street.

Fern asked curiously, "Lady Frieren, is that pendant something very powerful?"

Frieren also somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected anyone to recognize the 'Holy Staff Emblem'.

"Theoretically yes."

"This is the only proof that I am a magician."

Rienta: "???"

Is it possible that Frieren could prove her identity as a mage simply by releasing a tiny bit of magic?

Looking at the somewhat dejected Frieren, Fern said, "We all know how outstanding Lady Frieren is as a mage."

Rienta suppressed her urge to retort and chimed in, "Yes, I know all too well how strong Lady Frieren is."

"Too."

Frieren put the pendant away and smiled as she patted her two disciples on the head.

I walked towards the library.

They want to use these two months to further improve.

Inside the library.

Looking at the documents in her hand, Frieren asked with some curiosity:

"According to the regulations of the Continental Magic Association, Fifth-Class Mage is considered capable of standing on their own. Why did Fern choose to take the Third-Class Mage exam?"

Fern explained, "Because it was the closest time to the Level 3 exam."

"I see," Frieren nodded, then looked at Rienta and asked, "So why is Rienta Fifth-Class Mage?"

Rienta said with a hint of helplessness, "... Because I failed the Third-Class Mage exam."